New Zealand has a lot to offer as a country with high education standards, consistent university rankings, and ample opportunities. New Zealand’s 8 prominent public universities ranked within the top 450 in QS World University Rankings 2024.
Want to know more about the benefits and opportunities of studying in New Zealand? Continue reading to understand why taking education from abroad can be your best choice.
Below are multiple compelling benefits that one can experience while studying in New Zealand;
New Zealand's Education System
Why study in New Zealand? New Zealand's education system is renowned for its quality and structured approach:
Qualifications Framework
The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) governs qualifications, categorizing them into 10 levels. This framework ensures that qualifications, ranging from vocational certificates to doctoral degrees, meet international standards and are widely recognized.
Higher Education
Comprises eight state-funded universities, Te Pūkenga (NZ Institute of Skills and Technology), and over 550 Private Training Establishments (PTEs). These institutions offer a broad range of programs, from introductory levels to advanced degrees, focusing on applied learning and research.
School Education
Provides a flexible pathway from primary to secondary education. It includes state schools, state-integrated schools, and private schools. Secondary education culminates in the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), with options for international programs like Cambridge and IB.
Broad Opportunities for Study and Research
Universities in New Zealand offer diversified research and study opportunities to students.
For instance, according to Statista, around 36% of international students pursue STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics), while 33% pursue business and management.
All other subjects combined add up to around 31%. The profound opportunities to pursue studies in their field of interest can be seen from these statistics.
Some of the exciting study courses in New Zealand include:
Arts
Engineering
Aviation
Architecture
Health Sciences
Business and Management
Similarly, there are more than 4,000 courses to choose from over 130+ educational institutes in New Zealand. Such broad opportunities in different fields have certainly attracted international students.
Globally Accepted Qualifications
To ensure global acceptance and competitive education standards, New Zealand has created the New Zealand Qualifications Framework to acknowledge the level and quality of education offered by different education providers.
The framework consists of 10 levels:
Level 1-4: For rating secondary schools and basic vocational training.
Level 5-6: For analyzing Sub-Degree vocational certificates and diplomas.
Level 7-10: For rating Degrees, Graduate and Post Graduate Education.
This framework has helped to ensure consistent education quality and standards throughout New Zealand. In addition to these ratings, New Zealand has made arrangements, offers, and partnerships with other educational institutions and universities worldwide to recognize each other’s qualifications.
These agreements and arrangements extend to many countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. New Zealand has also signed a specific qualification recognition partnership with Germany, France, and Spain. Making them a study destination with globally accepted partnerships and recognized qualifications.
Quality Learning Experience
New Zealand ensures high-quality education across its education system, public and private, through robust quality assurance systems. The answer to why choose New Zealand for studyis because the country has:
Strong Government Oversight:
The New Zealand government implements rigorous quality assurance mechanisms to uphold the standards of education at all levels.
Internationally Recognized Qualifications:
New Zealand's qualifications, such as the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) in secondary schools and bachelor's degrees, are widely respected globally. NCEA is recognized in countries like Australia, UK, Europe, Germany, India, and Thailand.
Pathway to Global Opportunities:
New Zealand’s qualifications open doors to prestigious universities worldwide for further studies at the postgraduate level.
Valuable Assets in the Job Market:
Holding New Zealand’s qualification enhances your employability globally, providing a competitive edge in the international job market.
Future-Focused Learning:
New Zealand’s education promotes critical thinking and emphasizes practical, hands-on learning. Students are urged to question, innovate, and cultivate skills necessary for their future careers.
Easy Entry Requirements
New Zealand has an open border policy to encourage international students to study in New Zealand. There are around five different types of visas for studying in New Zealand. Depending on the course duration and your native country, the visa type might change.
However, the general study visa requirements for New Zealand include the following documents:
Acceptance letter from the educational provider
Copy of Identity pages of passport
Proof of funds to cover your living expense
Visa Application fee
Medical Certificate
Police Clearance certificate
Proof of payment of education fees
Proof of funds to afford an airline ticket
Affordable Cost of Living & Studying
The educational expenses for studying in New Zealand range between:
$20,000 to $40,000 (₹16,00,000 to ₹33,00,000) for a bachelor's degree
$20,000 to $45,000 (₹16,00,000 to ₹37,00,000) for a Postgraduate degree
$6,500 to $7,500 (₹5,40,000 to ₹6,20,000) for PhD students
The living cost can depend on your lifestyle and the part of New Zealand you live in. On average, it costs around $20,000 to $27,000 (₹16,00,000 to ₹22,40,000) to live in Auckland and Wellington, while it can go as low as $18,000 to $21,000 (₹15,00,000 to ₹17,50,000) in Dunedin.
Most student visas permit part-time employment, and therefore, you might be able to offset most of the cost by working part-time up to 20 hours a week during the semester or full-time in the holidays.
New Zealand Student Visa Success Rate
New Zealand maintains a good 58% success rate for student visa applications from India. The government's efficient visa system and clear guidelines offer a smooth application process, ensuring qualified applicants can pursue their education in New Zealand without unnecessary hurdles.
Stay Back After Your Education in New Zealand
After completing their studies in New Zealand, international students can apply for a Post Study Work Visa. This visa allows them to stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years, depending on the level of their completed qualification.
Immigration Benefits:
Stay in New Zealand for up to 3 years based on your study level and duration in the country.
Work for any employer in any job if you have a Level 7 qualification or above.
Work in a job related to your field of study if your qualification is below Level 7, provided it is on the list of qualifications eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.
Job Opportunities
Although New Zealand is well known for its strong academic background and skillful minds from top universities, but the smaller population size and density make it easier for skilled youth to find labor.
It is evident that firms and businesses all around welcome graduates from New Zealand due to their skillful and creative mindsets after completing their education.
Safe and Secure Environment
Want to knowwhy New Zealand is a good place to study?New Zealand offers asafe and secure environment for international students, backed by its reputation as one of the most peaceful and least corrupt countries globally. With a high standard of living, students benefit from clean air, a healthy lifestyle, and access to quality food and accommodation.
Top Universities in New Zealand
Why choose New Zealand?Following are the top universities in New Zealand according to the QS Rankings 2025:
QS Ranking 2025
University
65
The University of Auckland
214
University of Otago
235
University of Waikato
=239
Massey University
244
Victoria University of Wellington
=261
University of Canterbury
=371
Lincoln University
412
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Scholarships for Indian Students
The following are notable scholarships available for Indian students pursuing studies in New Zealand:
Name of Scholarship
Description
Benefits
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)
Funded by the New Zealand government, these scholarships support Indian students pursuing a PhD in New Zealand.
Full tuition fees, living stipend, health insurance
(up to NZD 25,000 tax-free), and health insurance coverage (up to NZD 600 annually)
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
Available for Indian students pursuing master’s or PhD degrees.
Full tuition fees, living allowance (NZD 491 per week), travel and health insurance, establishment allowance (NZD 3,000)
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
Supported by Education New Zealand and New Zealand universities, these scholarships are for Indian students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
Scholarship amount of around NZD 10,000.
SEG Scholarship
Funded by Soshi Educational Group for geophysics and related geosciences studies.
Scholarships available annually
(NZD 7,000 annually for Scholarship A, NZD 5,000 annually for Scholarship B) and other programs (NZD 3,000 annually for Scholarship C).
Palmerston North City Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship
Sponsored by Palmerston North City Council to promote the city as a destination for international students.
NZD 1,000 towards first-year tuition.
More Articles on Scholarships in New Zealand for Indian Students:
The New Zealand Study Visa provides international students with the opportunity to pursue their education in a country known for its high standard of living and quality education system.
Upon completion of their studies, graduates can apply for the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV), which allows them to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on their level of study. Those with a degree level 7 or above qualification can work in any job, whereas those with lower qualifications can work in a job related to their field if it's on the eligible list.
This visa pathway facilitates professional growth and offers a safe and supportive environment for students and their families. It includes provisions for partners to apply for work visas and for dependent children to study as domestic students.
The New Zealand Study Visa and PSWV enable graduates to integrate into the workforce and contribute to New Zealand's vibrant multicultural society.
Read More in Detail About Visa Process for New Zealand:
To obtain a Permanent Residency (PR) in New Zealand, several pathways are available depending on your circumstances, qualifications, and goals. Here are the primary pathways to get PR in New Zealand:
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is a points-based system designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely. To be eligible, you typically need to:
Meet the age requirement (under 56 years).
Score sufficient points based on your age, qualifications, work experience, job offer in New Zealand, and family ties.
Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List or meet other specific criteria.
The process involves an Expression of Interest (EOI), where you submit your details and points score. If selected from the pool of EOIs, you'll be invited to apply for residency.
Family Category
If you have close family members who are New Zealand citizens or residents, you may be eligible to apply for residency under the Family Category. Eligible relationships include:
Partners (spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner).
Dependent children.
Parents and dependent children of New Zealand citizens or residents.
Each relationship category has specific requirements, such as proving the genuineness and duration of the relationship.
Work to Residence Visa
The Work to Residence Visa allows skilled workers with a job offer in New Zealand to work in the country and then transition to residency initially. This pathway usually involves two stages:
Work Visa: Initially, you obtain a temporary work visa based on a job offer from a New Zealand employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
Residence Visa: After working in New Zealand for a specified period (usually 24 months) and meeting other criteria, you can apply for residency under the Residence from Work category.
Investor Categories
For investors and entrepreneurs, there are specific visa categories that lead to residency:
Investor Visa: Requires a significant investment in New Zealand, typically NZD 3 million or NZD 10 million, depending on the category.
Entrepreneur Visa: For individuals who have successfully established a business in New Zealand.
Other Categories
There are additional pathways that may lead to PR in New Zealand, such as:
Resident Visa: For individuals living in New Zealand on other visas and meeting certain criteria.
Refugee Family Support Category: Allows refugees settled in New Zealand to sponsor their family members.
General Requirements for PR in New Zealand
Character: Applicants must be of good character, which includes providing police certificates.
Health: Applicants and their dependents must meet health requirements.
Residency Conditions: Generally, applicants must have held a relevant visa with its conditions for a specified period.
Choose what to study: Decide on your preferred course or program of study based on your interests and career goals.
Plan your budget: Calculate the total costs, including tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and other necessary expenses. Create a budget plan to manage your finances effectively during your studies.
Apply for your course: Research and apply to the educational institution of your choice. Ensure you meet all the admission requirements and submit all necessary documents, such as academic transcripts and language proficiency scores.
Apply for your visa: Once accepted into your chosen course, apply for a student visa through Immigration New Zealand. Provide all required documents, including your offer of place from the institution, proof of sufficient funds, and health insurance.
Get ready to start: After receiving your visa approval, make travel arrangements to New Zealand. Plan for accommodation, familiarize yourself with the city or town where you'll study, and prepare for orientation and enrollment at your educational institution.
The recognizable educational qualifications and frameworks laid out by New Zealand have made it more accessible and acceptable globally. Therefore, studying in New Zealand can be a great way to boost your career prospects.
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Consider studying in New Zealand for its top-ranked institutions, affordability, and ample employment opportunities. The country boasts the lowest crime rate, making it the second most peaceful and safe nation.
With a diverse environment and creative atmosphere, New Zealand offers an enriching and secure place for higher education.
Why study in New Zealand from an international student perspective?
New Zealand brings in a lot of opportunities to collaborate with other institutions and universities worldwide. As a growing economy, it is expected to cross 250 billion US dollars (₹20,775,87.5), and the opportunities to be offered in different sectors are phenomenal.
In addition, the diverse cultural experience and multicultural environment can positively impact and influence your student life.
What are the different courses and institutions you can choose to study at in New Zealand?
There are over 130+ education providers offering more than 4,000 different courses, including the well-recognized top 8 universities in New Zealand.
Why is New Zealand better than other countries?
New Zealand is better than other countries for various reasons. New Zealand has globally recognized institutions, career opportunities, international exposure, life and culture, and a cost-effective education.
What is the cost of living in New Zealand for students?
The cost of living in New Zealand for students varies depending on factors like location and lifestyle. Students can expect to budget between NZ$20,000 to NZ$27,000 per year for living expenses.
What are the main language requirements for studying in New Zealand?
The main language requirement for studying in New Zealand is proficiency in English. This is typically demonstrated through recognized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English Qualifications, or OET for healthcare courses.
What are the accommodation options for international students in New Zealand?
Accommodation options for international students in New Zealand include renting a room in a shared private house or flat, typically costing between $140 to $293 per week, and studio apartments offering private living spaces for $235 to $370 per week.
University residence halls provide catered or self-catered options ranging from $346 to $484 per week. Homestays allow students to live with a local family, including meals, starting at around $285 per week.
Additionally, rental houses with three or four bedrooms are available for shared accommodation, with a nationwide median rent of approximately $535 per week.
Is it possible to study more than one course in New Zealand?
Yes, studying more than one course in New Zealand on a single student visa is possible. International students may study up to three consecutive courses on the same visa, provided the total duration of study does not exceed five years.
Additionally, students are allowed to work while studying in New Zealand, subject to certain conditions.
Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!
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